Early in 1982, a small group consisting of 9 riders and 7 ponies began to meet and hold a gymkhana in a little paddock in South Ulverston. Those riders were Helen Dent, Beverley Frankland, Sandra Braithwaite Cathleen Brown, Brian Fell, Helen Cargil, Pat Watson, Hilary Frankland and Jennifer Wheeler.
Each time a few more riders would turn up, so it was decided to see if a riding club could be formed. A meeting was held in St Jules Hall, South Ulverston and a club was formed. The name Ulverston and District Equine Club (Equi Club) was thought up by Mrs Pat Wilson. A competition was held to design a Logo and was won by Beverley Frankland, the same Logo is on the centre of our Rosettes today.
It was decided that the Equi Club was to be for the riders of Ulverston who had no transport to go to shows out of town. Were too old for Pony Club, and the older rider with family ponies who simply wanted to ‘have a go’. Through the generosity of local people allowing us to use their land we were able to meet once a Month and gradually our oil drums and crates, gave away to ‘proper jumps’ of a reasonable standard (although a strong wind often caused problems)
Our riders began to ask for Best Turned Out and Equitation classes and today we can boast of a very high standard in both. During 1983, some of our founder members, cajoled, bullied, or simply nagged, some local Business people to present the club with a trophy or two. The result being that we have a fine array of Cups and Trophies, which our members compete for, sadly many of the donors have since ceased to trade.
At the end of the first year, we had a presentation at Hillfoot Hotel and the prizes were given out by Mr Tom Jackson, who give us our first Best Turned Out Cup. 1986, was a worrying time for the Equi Club, as most of the land was being used for development. Fortunately, Councillor Bill Cubin came to out rescue. In asking the South Lakeland District Council to rent us some land andwe went to Fitz Bridge.
1991, We opened the club to riders who lived in the LA12 area (Quite a large one) and this boosted out membership. 1992, it was evident that Fitz Bridge was getting too small, as most of our members now had their own transport. We were also victims of vandalism to out jumps etc, and the Council had taken half the land for waste soil dumping, At the AGM, Mrs Vivien Greenhow, offered us the use of facilities at Newlands Green Equine Centre, and in the year 2000; our 18th season we were still there. Some of our earlier members have brought their children and others have gone on to greater things. The first rule of the Club is as always to HAVE FUN! We do have some Honorary Members. Our first was Pat Watson. Then a few years later in 1996 Fred and Joyce Errington, Norman and Barbara Braithwaite were approved.
Unfortunately, due to the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak no shows went ahead, and 2003 saw the retirement of our last Founder Members, Norman, and Barbara Braithwaite. For the next 10 years shows continued to be held at Newland Green Thanks to Vivian Greenhow until the club began to outgrow the show field.
After 30 fantastic years in 2023, our club shows moved onto the North Lonsdale Showground at Lindal Cote Farm, courtesy of Mr & Mrs J Sharp. This gave us a fantastic opportunity to expand our show rings for all our competitors to enjoy.
2023 and 2024 continued to be successful years for UDEC. Holding shows and events on the new showground. Members and non-Members supported the open shows and training events. Avril and the committee enjoyed welcoming everyone to the field. UDEC added to its affiliation list with EQUIFEST, NCPA PONY OF THE YEAR SHOW & STARS. Allowing Open competitors to qualify for EQUIFEST/NCPA, and Club Members to qualify for Club Points and STARS.
Regrettably, 2025 did not gain the continued support that was envisaged, seeing a significantly reduced amount of members & lack of entries, combined with ill health amongst the committee members. This resulted in financial loss and the resignation of the longstanding chairlady Avril McKinley. Avril has been chairlady of the club for 18 years and has sadly stepped down, followed by the majority of committee members in support of Avril, and for other numerous reasons.
An emergency general meeting was called in Dec 25 calling for volunteers to form a new committee and take the club forward, which was met with a great deal of support from current and previous members who were keen to keep the club going and continually improve and grow in the future years. The members and committee awarded Avril Honorary Life Vice President Status in recognition of her longstanding support and leadership of the Club.
A new committee has been formed led by Chairman Alan Platt who brings with him vast experience and knowledge to take the club forward into 2026. The new committee are striving to make a success of the 2026 season with shows and other planned events for members. Please support our club where you can and be mindful we are all in this together.
We look forward to welcoming you all.